VET411 Introduction to veterinary epidemiology

Credits (ECTS):7.5

Course responsible:Marit Stormoen

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Engelsk

Limits of class size:20

Course frequency:Spring

Nominal workload:225 hours

Teaching and exam period:

SPRING SEMESTER

The course is taught in three separate parts throughout the semester. Details will be announced before application deadline.

The course will be held weeks 12, 14 and 15 in 2025.

About this course

The following topics are presented during the course:

Using Stata
Causal concepts
Questionnaire design
Sampling
Measures of disease and associations
Cohort design
Case-control studies
Hybrid study design
Controlled studies
Diagnostic test properties and test evaluation
Validity in observational studies
Confounder bias: analytic control and matching
Linear and Logistic regression

Learning outcome

Through the course the students are expected to reach the following platforms:

Knowledge

Know the theoretical basis of planning and analysis of epidemiological studies.

Skills

Be able to plan an epidemiological study
Be able to perform basic analysis of data from epidemiological studies

Learning activities
The course consists of three separate weeks of compulsory training, and work with assignments between these weeks.
Course days are a mix of theoretical lectures (before lunch) and work with reading and assignments (after lunch), often with a common review of assignments at the end of the day. Lecturers will be available for questions every afternoon.
Teaching support
Teachers are available all day when they teach. At the end of each day, the teacher will summarise the material and answer questions.
Prerequisites
A basic knowledge of statistical concepts and methods (such as VET410 and a background in veterinary epidemiology from veterinary studies are required. Students without this background are recommended to read a short introductory text such as Veterinary Epidemiology. An introduction (Pfeiffer) before the course starts.
Recommended prerequisites
Basic competence in biostatistics.
Assessment method
Each course part will be evaluated either by assignments or discussions. Participants are evaluated as Pass/ Fail. All assignments must be handed in the day before the last day of the course.

Introduction to veterinary epidemiology Grading: Passed / Not Passed
Examiner scheme
Assignments are discussed with all course teachers. There is no external examiner, but the course is based upon an international course given by Ian Dohoo over many years,
Mandatory activity
Attendance is compulsory the three active weeks. An attendance of at least 75% is required to pass the course.
Notes
Deadline for registration: 1st of February
Teaching hours
Preparing for the course: 30 hours
Lectures: 60 hours
Assignments, individual and groups: 95 hours
Discussions with teachers about assignments: 40 hours
Preferential right
PhD students and research line students at NMBU VET
Reduction of credits
No